Diving fishing lure

ABSTRACT

A diving fishing lure disclosed for attaching a bait to a fishing line comprising a lure head having a front aperture for enabling the fishing line to extend therethrough. The lure head has an insert cavity communicating with the front aperture whereas a lure insert comprises an insert portion. A first and a second panel extend from the lure head and the lure insert. A locking pin is secured to one of the first and second panels for cooperating with the locking aperture defined in the other of the first and second panels. The locking pin extends through the bait for restraining the movement of the bait relative thereto. The lure insert is insertable within the insert cavity of the lure head with the fishing line extending through the front aperture of the lure head and with the locking aperture cooperating with the locking pin for interlocking the lure insert to the lure head. A restraining device is secured to the lure insert for restraining the movement of the fishing line relative thereto. A sinker weight is secured to the lure head to weight the diving fishing lure for causing the bait to sink.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/275,368 filed Jul. 15, 1994 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,016. U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/275,368 filed Jul. 15, 1994 is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/002,188filed Jan. 8, 1993 now U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,720. U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/002,188 filed Jan. 8, 1993 is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 07/890,811 filed Jun. 1, 1992 now U.S. Pat.No. 5,177,895. All subject matter set forth in applications Ser. No.07/890,811 and 08/002,188 and 08/275,368 are hereby incorporated byreference into the present application as if fully set forth herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to fishing and more particularly to an improvedfishing lure for use with natural or artificial bait.

2. Background of the Invention

Various types of fishing lures have been provided by the prior art tosports fishermen. In general, fishing lures may be classified asartificial bait fishing lures and natural bait fishing lures. In anartificial bait fishing lure, the fishing lure provides the totalattraction for a fish and simulates the motion, action, sound andappearance of a natural bait. In a natural bait fishing lure, thefishing lure enhances the motion, action, sound and appearance of anatural bait. In the event that the natural bait is dead, the naturalbait fishing lure again provides the motion, action and sound of thenatural bait in a manner similar to the artificial bait fishing lure.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,017,333 to Zuck discloses a lure with live bait impalingmeans by is which the bait is retained on the lure to permit casting ortrolling.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,196,376 to Anderson discloses a means which may bemanually gripped for easily inserting an impaling member into the bait,such as a minnow or other small fish.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,848,836 to Dodd discloses a bait harness that is adaptedto facilitate connection and disconnection of the bait to a harness.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,415,004 to Whalen discloses a live bait harness having aband embracing the body of the live bait comprising two one-piece wiremechanisms one of which is fastened to a band and the other of which isa spreader mechanism for holding a pair of fishhooks spaced apart onopposite sides of the live bait.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,645,031 to Egles discloses a trolling rig for baitfishing having a substantially frustoconical-shaped cap to receive thehead of the bait fish. A fish locking pin extends through the openingsand the head of the fish for securing the fish to the cap.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,135 to Martin discloses a fishing lure adapted tohold live, dead and artificial bait and includes a cup having an openend and a closed end for holding a first portion of a bait therein.Anchors extend from the open end of the cup into a portion of the bait.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,133,132 to Ellis et al discloses a protector forcovering the front face of a "plug-cut herring" to maintain the frontface of the plug at a predetermined angle. The protector is a cap havinga planar face and a cylindrical wall adapted to extend rearwardly alongthe sides of the herring when the inside surface of the cap member abutsthe front face of the herring.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,233,771 to Robinson discloses a bait holder for holdingminnow-type bait having a ring within which the head of the bait has awedged fit and which is held in position by engagement of a pair ofhooks at free ends of a pair of parallel arms extending aft from thering.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,791,751 to Francklyn discloses an adjustablebait-receiving fishing lure for use in receiving baits. Thebait-receiving lure includes a top section and bottom section thatcooperatively engage the upper and lower forward portions of a bait.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,848,023 to Ryder et al discloses a fishing lure for usewith dead bait fish including a cover having a cavity having projectingbarbs for insertion of the head of the bait fish. The cover can beopened to receive the head of the bait fish and can be closed to anchorthe fish head within the articulated cover.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,932,154 to Andreetti discloses a trolling rig intendedfor use with ballyhoo. The trolling rig has a conical cap that resemblesthe head of a ballyhoo with a leader being attached to the leading edgeof the cap. A second leader is attached to a rear lower edge of theconical cap and a hook is connected thereto.

In my prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,895, I disclosed an improved fishinglure for attaching a bait to a fishing line that overcame thedifficulties encountered by the prior art. In my subsequent U.S. Pat.No. 5,329,720, I disclosed an enhanced fishing lure capable of beingused with a wide variety of natural and artificial baits. In my furtherU.S. Pat. No. 5,505,016, I disclosed a restraining means for maintainingsaid lure insert on the fishing line in the event the lure insert isseparated from the lure head.

It is a primary object of this invention to further improve upon myprior U.S. Pat. No. 5,177,895, my prior U.S. Pat. No. 5,329,720 and myprior U.S. Pat. No. 5,505,016 by providing a diving fishing lure.

Another object of this invention is to provide a diving fishing lure forattaching a bait to a fishing line that permits the rapid addition ofbait or the rapid removal of bait from the fishing lure.

Another object of this invention is to provide a diving fishing lure forattaching of a bait to a fishing line that permits adjusting theposition of a hook disposed at a termination end of the fishing linerelative to the bait.

Another object of this invention is to provide a diving fishing lure forattaching a bait to a fishing line including fin means for submergingthe fishing lure upon the movement of the fish lure through the water.

Another object of this invention is to provide a diving attaching a baitto a fishing line that is substantially weedless.

Another object of this invention is to provide a diving fishing lure forattaching a bait to a fishing line that increases the action of the baitas well as the visibility of the bait within the water.

Another object of this invention is to provide a diving fishing lure forattaching a bait to a fishing line having an action plate for providingimproved action for the fishing lure.

Another object of this invention is to provide a diving fishing lure forattaching a bait to a fishing line having an action plate for enablingthe fishing lure to dive into the water.

Another object of this invention is to provide a diving fishing lure forattaching a bait to a fishing line having an action plate for providingan enhanced acoustical output of the fishing lure.

The foregoing has outlined some of the more pertinent objects of thepresent invention. These objects should be construed as being merelyillustrative of some of the more prominent features and applications ofthe invention. Many other beneficial results can be obtained by applyingthe disclosed invention in a different manner or modifying the inventionwith in the scope of the invention. Accordingly other objects in a fullunderstanding of the invention may be had by referring to the summary ofthe invention, the detailed description describing the preferredembodiment in addition to the scope of the invention defined by theclaims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is defined by the appended claims with specificembodiments being shown in the attached drawings. For the purpose ofsummarizing the invention, the invention relates to a diving fishinglure for attaching a bait to a fishing line, comprising a lure headhaving a front aperture for enabling the fishing line to extendtherethrough. The lure head has an insert cavity communicating with thefront aperture. A lure insert comprises an insert portion. A first and asecond panel extend from the lure head and the lure insert. A lockingpin is secured to one of the first and second panels for cooperatingwith the locking aperture means defined in the other of the first andsecond panels. The locking pin extends through the bait for restrainingthe movement of the bait relative thereto. The lure insert is insertablewithin the insert cavity of the lure head with the fishing lineextending through the front aperture of the lure head and with thelccking aperture means cooperating with the locking pin means forinterlocking the lure insert to the lure head. A restraining means issecured to the lure insert for restraining the movement of the fishingline relative thereto. A sinker weight is secured to the lure head toweight the diving fishing lure for causing the bait to sink.

In a more specific embodiment of the invention, the lure head comprisesa tapered front portion disposed about the front aperture forfacilitating the movement of the fishing lure through the water. Theinsert cavity is defined for slidably receiving the insert portion ofthe lure insert therein. Preferably, at least one of the lure head andthe lure insert defines a relief for receiving a head portion of thebait. The first panel extends along a surface of the lure head whereasthe second panel is aligned with an opposed surface of the lure head.The locking pin extends from the second panel through the bait and beingpartially received within the locking aperture for restraining themovement of the bait relative thereto.

In one embodiment of the invention, the diving fishing lure includes acentral fin depending from the lure head for causing the diving fishlure to submerge as the diving fishing lure is pulled through the water.The lure head includes a longitudinally beam extending from the lurehead.

In a preferred form of the invention, the lure head includes alongitudinal beam extending from the lure head. An enlarged portionextends transversely from a portion of the longitudinal beam. The sinkerweight has sinker slot for receiving the enlarged portion of thelongitudinal beam therein. The sinker weight is deformed for fixing theenlarged portion of the longitudinal beam within the sinker slot forsecuring the sinker weight to the lure head.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the more pertinent andimportant features of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription that follows may be better understood so that the presentcontribution to the art can be more fully appreciated. Additionalfeatures of the invention will be described hereinafter which form thesubject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that the conception and the specificembodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifyingor designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of thepresent invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in theart that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit andscope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be made to the following detailed description taken inconnection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a bait fish secured to a conventional wireleader using a prior art system;

FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a first embodiment of an improved fishinglure comprising a lure head and a lure insert incorporating the presentinvention;

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a sectional view along line 6--6 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view along line 7--7 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a sectional view along line 8--8 in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a front elevational view of the lure insert of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the lure insert of FIG. 3;

FIG. 11 is a top view partially in section of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a right side view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a left side view of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational of the improved fishing lure of FIG. 3with the improved fishing lure being in an unassembled condition;

FIG. 15 is a top view of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational similar to FIG. 14 with the improvedfishing lure being in a partially assembled condition;

FIG. 17 is a top view of FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 14 with the improvedfishing lure being in an assembled condition;

FIG. 19 is a top view of FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a first step of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS.3-13 to a bait fish illustrating the insertion of a retrieving catchthrough the bait fish;

FIG. 21 is a second step of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS.3-13 to the bait fish illustrating the coupling of the retrieving catchwith a bead leader having a fishing hook;

FIG. 22 is a third step of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS.3-13 to the bait fish illustrating the drawing of the bead leaderthrough the bait fish and the passing of the bead leader through a frontaperture in the improved fishing lure;

FIG. 23 is a fourth step of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS.3-13 to the bait fish illustrating the impaling of the bait fish by theimproved fishing lure;

FIG. 24 is a fifth step of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS.3-13 to the bait fish illustrating the assembly of the improved fishinglure for affixing of the improved fishing lure to the bead leader;

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of a second embodiment of an enhancedfishing lure comprising a lure head and a lure insert incorporating thepresent invention;

FIG. 26 is a front elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a rear elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 25;

FIG. 28 is a right side elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 26;

FIG. 29 is a sectional view along line 29--29 in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a sectional view along line 30--30 in FIG. 28;

FIG. 31 is a sectional view along line 31--31 in FIG. 26;

FIG. 32 is a front elevational view of the lure insert of FIG. 25;

FIG. 33 is a rear elevational view of the lure insert of FIG. 25;

FIG. 34 is a right side view partially in section of FIG. 32;

FIG. 35 is a top view of FIG. 34;

FIG. 36 is a bottom view of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is a side elevational of the enhanced fishing lure of FIG. 25 inan unassembled condition;

FIG. 38 is a top view of FIG. 37;

FIG. 39 is a side elevational view of the enhanced fishing lure of FIG.25 in a partially assembled condition;

FIG. 40 is a top view of FIG. 39;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of the e nhanced fishing lure of FIG.25 in an assembled condition;

FIG. 42 is a top view of FIG. 41;

FIG. 43 is a sectional view along line 43--43 in FIG. 42;

FIG. 44 is an exploded isometric view of the enhanced fishing lure ofFIG. 25 with an artificial bait and a fishing hook positioned in a firstmanner;

FIG. 45 is an assembled isometric view of the enhanced fishing lure ofFIG. 44;

FIG. 46 is an exploded isometric view of the enhanced fishing lure ofFIG. 25 with an artificial bait and a fishing hook positioned in asecond manner;

FIG. 47 is an assembled isometric view of the enhanced fishing lure ofFIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is an isometric view of a third embodiment of an improvedfishing lure comprising a lure head and a lure insert incorporating thepresent invention;

FIG. 49 is a front elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 48;

FIG. 50 is a sectional view along line 50--50 in FIG. 49;

FIG. 51 is a front elevational view of the lure insert of FIG. 48;

FIG. 52 is a rear elevational view of the lure insert of FIG. 48;

FIG. 53 is a top view partially in section of FIG. 51;

FIG. 54 is a right side view of FIG. 51;

FIG. 55 is a left side view of FIG. 51;

FIG. 56 is a step of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS. 48-55to the bait fish illustrating the drawing of the bead leader through thebait fish and the passing of the bead leader through a front aperture inthe improved fishing lure;

FIG. 57 is a further of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS.48-55 to the bait fish illustrating the impaling of the bait fish by theimproved fishing lure;

FIG. 58 is a final step of securing the improved fishing lure of FIGS.48-55 to the bait fish illustrating the assembly of the improved fishinglure for affixing of the improved fishing lure to the bead leader;

FIG. 59 is an isometric exploded view of a diving fishing lurecomprising a lure head, a lure insert and a sinker weight incorporatingthe present invention;

FIG. 60 is a front elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 59;

FIG. 61 is a sectional view along line 61--61 in FIG. 50;

FIG. 62 is a left side elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 59absent the sinker weight;

FIG. 63 is a right side elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 59absent the sinker weight;

FIG. 64 is a rear elevational view of the lure head of FIG. 59 absentthe sinker weight;

FIG. 65 is a bottom view of FIG. 62;

FIG. 66 is a left side elevational view of the sinker weight of FIG. 59;

FIG. 67 is a right side elevational view of the sinker weight of FIG.59;

FIG. 68 is a front elevational view of the sinker weight of FIG. 59;

FIG. 69 is a rear elevational view of the sinker weight of FIG. 59;

FIG. 70 is a left side elevational view of a portion of the lure head ofthe diving fishing lure of FIG. 59 with the sinker weight disposedadjacent thereto;

FIG. 71 is a view along line 71--71 in FIG. 70;

FIG. 72 is a view along line 72--72 in FIG. 70;

FIG. 73 is a left side elevational view of a portion of the of the lurehead of the diving fishing lure of FIG. 59 with the sinker weight beingpartially disposed thereon;

FIG. 74 is a sectional view along line 74--74 in FIG. 73;

FIG. 75 is a left side elevational view of a portion of the of the lurehead of the diving fishing lure of FIG. 59 with the sinker weight beingdisposed thereon;

FIG. 76 is a sectional view along line 76--76 in FIG. 75;

FIG. 77 is a sectional view along line 77--77 in FIG. 75;

FIG. 78 is a step of securing the diving fishing lure of FIGS. 59-77 tothe bait fish illustrating the drawing of the bead leader through thebait fish and the passing of the bead leader through a front aperture inthe improved fishing lure;

FIG. 79 is a further of securing the diving fishing lure of FIGS. 59-77to the bait fish illustrating the impaling of the bait fish by theimproved fishing lure; and

FIG. 80 is a final step of securing the diving fishing lure of FIGS.59-77 to the bait fish illustrating the assembly of the improved fishinglure for affixing of the improved fishing lure to the bead leader.

Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout theseveral Figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DISCUSSION

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate top and side views of a bait fish 10 secured toa conventional wire leader 12 using a prior art system. In this example,the bait fish 10 is shown as a ballyhoo or balao weighing betweenone-quarter pound and one-half pound. This prior art system is widelyused for securing the ballyhoo or other bait fish 10 to the wire leader12 for trolling for smaller predator fish as well as large game fishsuch as marlin, sailfish and the like.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a fishing hook 14 inserted through the baitfish 10 with a point 14A of the fishing hook 14 extending from aposterior portion 16 of the bait fish 10. An eye 14B (not shown) of thefishing hook 14 is connected to the wire leader 12. A securing wire 17is fastened to the eye 14B (not shown) of the fishing hook 14 and iswrapped around the bait fish 10 for securing the bait fish 10 to thewire leader 12.

Although the prior art system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is widely used fortrolling bait fish 10, the prior art has developed other varied methodsof securing a bait fish 10 to a wire leader 12. Examples of the otherdifferent and distinct methods for securing the bait fish 10 to the wireleader 12 are disclosed in numerous fishing publications.

FIG. 3 is an isometric disassembled view of a first embodiment of animproved fishing lure 20 having a lure head 21 and a lure insert 22.FIGS. 4-8 illustrate various views of the lure head 21. The lure head 21comprises a generally truncated pyramidal shape defined by a first and asecond head sidewall 31 and 32 and a top head wall 33 and a bottom headwall 34. The generally truncated pyramidal shape provides a taperedfront portion for facilitating the movement of the improved fish lure 20through the water. The first and second head sidewalls 32 and the topand bottom head walls 33 and 34 have first and second head interiorsurfaces 31A and 32A and top and bottom head interior surfaces 33A and34A defining an insert cavity 36 within the lure head 21. A frontaperture 38 in the lure head 21 communicates with the insert cavity 36.

The first head sidewall 31 includes a rearwardly extending first panel40 having a locking aperture 42 defined therein. An optional first eyeindicia (not shown) may be disposed about the locking aperture 42 forsimulating an eye of the bait fish 10. The first head sidewall 31 issubstantially thicker than the second head sidewall 32 and the top andbottom head walls 33 and 34. A generally U-shape head relief 46 isdefined in the first head sidewall 31 whereas a generally V-shapedcut-out 48 is defined in the second head sidewall 32.

Preferably, the lure head 21 includes a stabilizing fin 50 having afront fin portion 51 and a rear fin portion 52. The front fin portion 51is established to be substantially horizontal to the direction ofmovement of the lure head 21 when the lure head 21 is pulled through thewater. The rear fin portion 52 is angled downwardly for providingstabilization to the improved fishing lure 20 during trolling.

FIGS. 9-13 illustrate various views of the lure insert 22. The lureinsert 22 comprises a partially pyramidal shaped insert portion 60having a first and a second insert sidewall 61 and 62 and a top insertwall 63 and a bottom insert wall 64. The first and second insertsidewall 62 and the top and bottom insert walls 63 and 64 areestablished at an angle for closely engaging the first and second headsidewalls 31 and 32 and the top and bottom head walls 33 and 34,respectively, of the lure head 21 when the lure insert 22 is fullydisposed within the insert cavity 36. The first insert sidewall 61includes an insert slot 70 extending from a front insert wall 65 of thelure insert 22 to an insert relief 78 defined in the first insertsidewall 61. A plurality of depressions including a first, second and athird depression 71-73 are intermittently defined in the first insertsidewall 61 with a first separating wall 74 interposed between the firstand the second depressions 71 and 72 and with a second separating wall76 interposed between the second and the third depressions 72 and 73.The first, second and the third depressions 71-73 and the first andsecond separating walls 74 and 76 comprise a restraining means forrestraining the movement of a leader relative to the improved fishinglure 20 as will be described in greater detail hereinafter.

The second insert sidewall 62 comprises a second panel 80 having agenerally V-shaped projection 82 for matingly engaging with the V-shapedcut-out 48 of the second head sidewall 32 when the lure insert 22 isdisposed within the lure head 21. A locking pin 90 having a proximal anddistal end 92 has the proximal end 91 thereof secured to the secondpanel 80. The distal end 92 of the locking pin 90 includes a lockingportion 94 having a reduced diameter for insertion within the lockingaperture 42 of the first panel 40 when the lure insert 22 is disposedwithin the lure head 21. An optional second eye indicia (not shown) maybe disposed about the locking pin 90 for simulating an eye of the baitfish 10.

Preferably, the lure head 21 and the lure insert 22 are each formed as aunitary member of a molded polymeric material. The first and secondpanels 40 and 80 are slightly flexible for enabling the locking portion94 to be inserted and removed from the locking aperture 42 by deflectingeither the first and/or the second panels 40 and 80.

FIG. 14 is a side view of the lure head 21 and the lure insert 22 beingin an unassembled position. FIG. 5 is a top view of FIG. 14 illustratingthe relative positions of the first and second panels 40 and 80 and thelocking pin 90.

FIG. 16 is a side view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating the lure insert22 being partially disposed within the internal cavity of the lure head21. FIG. 17 is a top view of FIG. 16. The insert portion 60 of the lureinsert 22 is slidably received within the insert cavity 36 of the lurehead 21.

FIG. 18 is a side view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating the completeinsertion of the lure insert 22 within the lure head 21 and with thelock portion of the locking pin 90 being received within the lockingaperture 42 of the first panel 40. FIG. 19 is a top view of FIG. 18.Engagement of the locking portion 94 within the locking aperture 42 ofthe first panel 40 interlocks the lure insert 22 within the lure head21. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theinsertion of the locking portion 94 within the locking aperture 42 ofthe first panel 40 has been accomplished by an outward deflection ofFIG. 19 of either the first and/or the second panel 40 and 80.

FIG. 20 illustrates a first step of securing the improved fishing lure20 to the bait fish 10. A retrieving catch 98 is inserted into the mouthof the bait fish 10 and forced through the bait fish 10 to exit from theposterior portion 16.

FIG. 21 illustrates a second step of securing the improved fishing lure20 to the bait fish 10 wherein the retrieving catch 98 is coupled to abead leader 100 having a fishing hook 14. The bead leader 100 is ofconventional design having a plurality of beads 102 interconnected by aplurality of interconnecting wires 104.

FIG. 22 illustrates a third step of securing the improved fishing lure20 to the bait fish 10. The bead leader 100 is drawn through the baitfish 10 by withdrawing the retrieving catch 98. The retrieving catch 98is withdrawn from the bait fish 10 to position the point 14A of the hook14 in the desired location. A fishing line 106 is passed through thefront aperture 38 of the lure head 21 and is secured to the bead leader100. In the alternative, the hook 14 may be rotated one hundred andeighty degrees in FIG. 22 such that the point 14A of the hook 14 isembedded in the bait fish 10. When the hook 14 is embedded in the baitfish 10, the bait is substantially weedless.

FIG. 23 illustrates a fourth step of securing the improved fishing lure20 to the bait fish 10. The locking pin 90 is impaled through an eyesocket 10A of one side of the bait fish 10 and is passed through theopposed eye socket 10A on the other side of the bait fish 10 to extendtherefrom. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that theeye sockets 10A of the bait fish 10 is surrounded by a skeletonstructure. The locking pin 90 impaled through the eye sockets 10A of thebait fish 10 is disposed within this skeleton structure for providing aneffective attachment of the improved fishing lure 20 to the bait fish10. The locking portion 94 is smaller in diameter than the locking pin90 and approximates a point for the locking pin 90 to facilitate theimpaling of the locking pin 90 through the eye socket 10A of the baitfish 10.

FIG. 23 further illustrates selected beads 102 of the bead leader 100being inserted into the first, second and third depressions 71-73. Theinterconnecting wires 104 extend through the first and second separatingwalls 74 and 76 to attach the bead leader 100 relative to the lureinsert 22. The first and second separating walls 74 and 76 insure thatthe position of the bead leader 100 is fixed relative to the lure insert22. In addition, the proper selection of the beads 102 inserted into thefirst, second and third depressions 71-73 enables the proper positioningof the fishing hook 14 relative to the lure insert 22 and relative tothe bait fish 10. Preferably, the locking pin 90 is located on thesecond extending wall to position the bill 19 of the bait fish 10 withinthe insert relief 78 as shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 24 illustrates a fourth step of securing the improved fishing lure20 to the bait fish 10. The lure insert 22 is moved into the insertcavity 36. The bill 19 of the bait fish 10 is received within the headrelief 46. Since the bill 19 of the bait fish 10 is received within thehead relief 46, the degradation of natural bait due to trolling waterentering the mouth of the fish commonly referred to as "bait washout" isessentially eliminated. The first head interior surface 31A of the firsthead sidewall engages the first insert sidewall 61 to retain theselected beads 102 of the bead leader 100 within the first, second andthird depressions 71-73. The first panel 40 is deflected outwardly by anoperator as indicated by the arrow for enabling the locking portion 94of the locking pin 90 to be aligned with the locking aperture 42. Uponrelease of the deflection of the first panel 40 by the operator, thefirst panel 40 returns to a non-deflected position to receive thelocking portion 94 within the locking aperture 42 as shown in FIG. 24.The locking portion 94 disposed within the locking aperture 42 preventsthe removal of the lure insert 22 from the lure head 21. The bait fish10 is retained between the first and second panels 40 and 80.

FIG. 25 is an isometric disassembled view of a second embodiment of anenhanced fishing lure 220 having a lure head 221 and a lure insert 222.FIGS. 26-31 illustrate various views of the lure head 221. The lure head221 comprises a generally truncated pyramidal shape defined by a firstand a second head sidewall 231 and 232 and a top head wall 233 and abottom head wall 234. The generally truncated pyramidal shape provides atapered front portion terminating in a front surface 235 forfacilitating the movement of the improved fish lure 220 through thewater. The first and second head sidewalls 231 and 232 and the top andbottom head walls 233 and 234 have first and second head interiorsurfaces 231A and 232A and top and bottom head interior surfaces 233Aand 234A defining an insert cavity 236 within the lure head 221. A frontaperture 238 in the lure head 221 communicates with the insert cavity236. Optional eye indicia shown as eye 239 may be disposed on the firstand second head sidewalls 232 for simulating eyes of the enhanced isfishing lure 220.

The top wall 233 includes a rearwardly extending first panel 240 havinga first and a second locking aperture 242A and 242B defined therein. Asbest shown in FIG. 31, the top wall 233 is substantially thicker thanthe bottom wall 234 and the first and second sidewalls 231 and 232. Agenerally V-shaped cut-out 248 is defined in the bottom wall 232.

Preferably, the lure head 221 includes a stabilizing fin 250 having afront fin portion 251 and a rear fin portion 252. The front fin portion251 is established to be substantially horizontal to the direction ofmovement of the lure head 221 when the lure head 221 is pulled throughthe water. The rear fin portion 252 is angled downwardly for providingstabilization to the improved fishing lure 220 during trolling.

An action plate 254 comprises an arcuate depending plate 256 integrallysecured to the lure head 221 and extending from the bottom surface 234generally parallel to the front surface 235. A support 258 is secured tothe lure head 221 and extends from the bottom surface 234 generallyperpendicularly to the arcuate depending plate 256. The support 258 issecured to the arcuate depending plate 256 to add mechanical strengththereto. The action plate 256 causes a jumping action to the lure head221 when the enhanced fishing lure 220 is retrieved by a fisherman. Inaddition, the action plate 256 provides an enhanced acoustical output ofthe enhanced fishing lure 220. The support 258 enables the enhancedfishing lure 220 to be skipped over weed beads.

FIGS. 32-36 illustrate various views of the lure insert 222 of FIG. 25.The lure insert 222 comprises a partially pyramidal shaped insertportion 260 having a first and a second insert sidewall 261 and 262 anda top insert wall 263 and a bottom insert wall 264. The first and secondinsert sidewall 262 and the top and bottom insert walls 263 and 264 areestablished at an angle for closely engaging the first and second headinterior surfaces 231A and 232A and the top and bottom interior surfaces233A and 234A, respectively, of the lure head 221 when the lure insert222 is fully disposed within the insert cavity 236.

The top insert wall 263 includes an insert slot 270 extending from afront insert wall 265 of the lure insert 222 to an insert relief 278defined in the top wall 263. A plurality of depressions including afirst, second and a third depression 271-273 are intermittently definedin the top insert wall 263 with a first separating wall 274 interposedbetween the first and the second depressions 271 and 272 and with asecond separating wall 276 interposed between the second and the thirddepressions 272 and 273. The first, second and the third depressions271-273 and the first and second separating walls 274 and 276 comprise arestraining means for restraining the movement of a leader relative tothe enhanced fishing lure 220 as will be described in greater detailhereinafter.

The bottom insert wall 264 comprises a second panel 280 having agenerally V-shaped projection 282 for matingly engaging with theV-shaped cut-out 248 of the bottom head wall 234 when the lure insert222 is disposed within the lure head 221. A first and a second lockingpin 290A and 290B have proximal ends 291A and 291B thereof secured tothe second panel 280. A first and a second distal end 292A and 292B ofthe first and second locking pins 290A and 290B include locking portions294A and 294B having a reduced diameter for insertion within the firstand second locking aperture 242A and 242B of the first panel 240 whenthe lure insert 222 is disposed within the lure head 221.

Preferably, the lure head 221 and the lure insert 222 are each formed asa unitary member of a molded polymeric material. The first and secondpanels 240 and 280 are slightly flexible and resilient for enabling thelocking portions 294A and 294B to be inserted and removed from thelocking apertures 242A and 242B by deflecting either the first and/orthe second panels 240 and 280.

FIG. 37 is a side view of the lure head 221 and the lure insert 222being in an unassembled position. FIG. 38 is a top view of FIG. 37illustrating the relative positions of the first and second panels 240and 280 and the locking pins 290A and 290B.

FIG. 39 is a side view similar to FIG. 37 illustrating the lure insert222 being partially disposed within the internal cavity of the lure head221. FIG. 40 is a top view of FIG. 39. The insert portion 260 of thelure insert 222 is slidably received within the insert cavity 236 of thelure head 221.

FIG. 41 is a side view similar to FIG. 37 illustrating the completeinsertion of the lure insert 222 within the lure head 221 and with thelock portion of the locking pins 290A and 290B being received within thelocking apertures 242A and 242B of the first panel 240. FIG. 43 is a topview of FIG. 41. Engagement of the locking portions 294A and 294B withinthe locking apertures 242A and 242B of the first panel 240 interlocksthe lure, insert 222 within the lure head 221. It should be appreciatedby those skilled in the art that the insertion of the locking portions294A and 294B within the locking apertures 242A and 242B of the firstpanel 240 has been accomplished by either an upward deflection of thefirst panel 240 and/or a downward deflection of the second panel 280 inFIG. 39. The first panel 240 and/or second panel 280 is made of aresilient material for enabling the upward deflection of the first panel240 and/or a downward deflection of the second panel 280.

FIG. 42 is a sectional view illustrating the complete insertion of thelure insert 222 within the lure head 221 and with the lock portion ofthe locking pins 290A and 290B being received within the lockingapertures 242A and 242B of the first panel 240. The relative position ofthe top surface 263 of the lure insert 222 relative to the top interiorsurface 233A encloses the first, second and third depressions 271-273.The enclosure of the first, second and third depressions 271-273 entrapsbeads 302 of a beaded leader 300 as will be described with reference toFIGS. 44-47. The entrapped beads 302 of the beaded leader 300 within thefirst, second and third depressions 271-273 restrain and restrict themovement of the bead leader 300 relative to the slot 270 and the lureinsert 222.

FIG. 44 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the enhancedfishing lure 220 with an artificial bait 10A secured thereto. The beadleader 300 is of conventional design having a plurality of beads 302interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting wires 304 for attachingto a fishing hook 14. The fishing hook 14 may be freely positionedadjacent the artificial bait 10A. In the alternative, the fishing hook14 may be partially or totally positioned within the artificial bait 10Aas should be well known to those skilled in the art.

The locking pins 290A and 290B are inserted through or impaled throughan aperture 310 in the artificial bait 10A to extend therefrom. Thelocking portions 294A and 294B are smaller in diameter than the lockingpins 290A and 290B and approximates a point for the locking pin 290A and290B to facilitate the inserting or impaling of the locking pins 290Aand 290B through the aperture 310 of the artificial bait 10A.

When the fishing hook is properly positioned relative to the artificialbait 10A, the beaded leader 300 is passed between the locking pins 290Aand 290B. Selected beads 302 of the bead leader 300 are inserted intothe first, second and third depressions 271-273. The interconnectingwires 304 extend through the first and second separating walls 274 and276 to attach the bead leader 300 relative to the lure insert 222. Thefirst and second separating walls 274 and 276 insure that the positionof the bead leader 300 is fixed relative to the lure insert 222. Inaddition, the proper selection of the beads 302 inserted into the first,second and third depressions 271-273 enables the proper positioning ofthe fishing hook 14 relative to the lure insert 222 and relative to theartificial bait 10A. The locking pins 290A and 290B assist inpositioning the fishing hook 14 relative to the enhanced fishing lure220.

When the lure insert 222 is moved into the insert cavity 236, the topinsert wall 263 of the of the insert 222 engages the top head interiorwall 233A of the lure head to retain the selected beads 302 of the beadleader 300 within the first, second and third depressions 271-273. Thefirst panel 240 is deflected upwardly by an operator for enabling thelocking portions 294A and 294B of the locking pins 290A and 290B to bealigned with the locking apertures 242A and 242B. In the alternative,the second panel 280 may be deflected downwardly by an operator forenabling the locking portions 294A and 294B of the locking pins 290A and290B to be aligned with the locking apertures 242A and 242B. Uponrelease of the deflection of the first panel 240 and or second panel 280by the operator, the first panel 240 and/or second panel 280 returns toa non-deflected position to receive the locking portions 294A and 294Bwithin the locking apertures 242A and 242B as shown in FIG. 45. Thelocking portions 294A and 294B disposed within the locking apertures242A and 242B prevents the removal of the lure insert 222 from the lurehead 221. The artificial bait 10A is retained between the first andsecond panels 240 and 280.

FIG. 46 is an isometric view of the second embodiment of the enhancedfishing lure 220 with an artificial bait 10A secured thereto. In thisexample, the bead leader 300 includes a conventional snap latch 312 forattaching the fishing hook 14 to the beaded leader 300. The snap 312 islocated within the insert relief 278 of the lure insert 222. The shank314 of the fishing hook 14 may be disposed between the locking pins 290Aand 290B to assist in positioning the fishing hook 14 relative to theenhanced fishing lure 220.

When the fishing hook is properly positioned relative to the artificialbait 10A, the selected beads 302 of the bead leader 300 are insertedinto the first, second and third depressions 271-273. When the lureinsert 222 is moved into the insert cavity 236, the locking portions294A and 294B are disposed within the locking apertures 242A and 242B toprevent the removal of the lure insert 222 from the lure head 221 asshown in FIG. 47. The shank 314 of the hook 14 extending between thelocking pins 290A and 290B inhibits the movement of the hook 14 andproperly positions the fishing hook 14 relative to the artificial bait10A.

FIG. 48 is an isometric disassembled view of a third embodiment of animproved fishing lure 420 having a lure head 421 and a lure insert 422.The lure head 421 is identical to the lure head 31 shown in FIGS. 4-8.

FIG. 49 is a front elevational view of the lure head 421 of FIG. 48whereas FIG. 50 is is a sectional view along line 50--50 in FIG. 49. Thelure head 421 comprises a first and a second head sidewall 431 and 432and a top head wall 433 and a bottom head wall 434.

The first and second head sidewalls 432 and the top and bottom headwalls 433 and 434 have first and second head interior surfaces 431A and432A and top and bottom head interior surfaces 433A and 434A defining aninsert cavity 436 within the lure head 421. A front aperture 438 in thelure head 421 communicates with the insert cavity 436.

The first head sidewall 431 includes a rearwardly extending first panel440 having a locking aperture 442 defined therein. The first headsidewall 431 is substantially thicker than the second head sidewall 432and the top and bottom head walls 433 and 434. A generally U-shape headrelief 446 is defined in the first head sidewall 431 whereas a generallyV-shaped cut-out 448 is defined in the second head sidewall 432. Thelure head 421 includes a stabilizing fin 450 having a front fin portion451 and a rear fin portion 452.

FIGS. 51-55 illustrate various views of the lure insert 422. The lureinsert 422 comprises a partially pyramidal shaped insert portion 460having a first and a second insert sidewall 461 and 462 and a top insertwall 463 and a bottom insert wall 464. The first and second insertsidewall 462 and the top and bottom insert walls 463 and 464 areestablished at an angle for closely engaging the first and second headsidewalls 431 and 432 and the top and bottom head walls 433 and 434,respectively, of the lure head 421 when the lure insert 422 is fullydisposed within the insert cavity 436. The first insert sidewall 461includes an insert slot 470 extending from a front insert wall 465 ofthe lure insert 422 to an insert relief 478 defined in the first insertsidewall 461. A first and a second depression 471 and 473 are disposedon opposed sides of a line aperture 472. A first separating wall 474 isinterposed between the first depressions 471 and the line aperture 472whereas a second separating wall 476 is interposed between the lineaperture 472 and the second depressions 473. The first and seconddepressions 471 and 473 and the line aperture 472 as well as the firstand second separating walls 474 and 476 comprise a restraining means forrestraining the movement of a leader relative to the improved fishinglure 420.

The second insert sidewall 462 comprises a second panel 480 having agenerally V-shaped projection 482 for matingly engaging with theV-shaped cut-out 448 of the second head sidewall 432 when the lureinsert 422 is disposed within the lure head 421. A locking pin 490having a proximal and distal end 492 has the proximal end 491 thereofsecured to the second panel 480. The distal end 492 of the locking pin490 includes a locking portion 494 having a reduced diameter forinsertion within the locking aperture 442 of die first panel 440 whenthe lure insert 422 is disposed within the lure head 421.

Preferably, the lure head 421 and the lure insert 422 are each formed asa unitary member of a molded polymeric material. The first and secondpanels 440 and 480 are slightly flexible for enabling the lockingportion 494 to be inserted and removed from the locking aperture 442 bydeflecting either the first and/or the second panels 440 and 480.

The lure head 421 and the lure insert 422 are assembled in a manneridentical to the assembly of the lure head 21 and the lure insert 22 asshown in FIGS. 14-19. The bait fish 10 is prepared in a manner similarto FIGS. 20-21 wherein a retrieving catch 98 is inserted into the mouthof the bait fish 10 and forced through the bait fish 10 to exit from theposterior portion 16. The retrieving catch 98 is coupled to a beadleader 100 having a fishing hook 14. The bead leader 100 has a pluralityof beads 102 interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting wires 104.

FIG. 56 illustrates a step of securing the improved fishing lure 420 tothe bait fish 10. The bead leader 100 is drawn through the bait fish 10by withdrawing the retrieving catch 98. The retrieving catch 98 iswithdrawn from the bait fish 10 to position the point 14A of the hook 14in the desired location. A fishing line 106 is passed through the lineaperture 472 and through the front aperture 438 of the lure head 421 andis secured to the bead leader 100.

FIG. 57 illustrates a step of securing the improved fishing lure 420 tothe bait fish 10. The locking pin 490 is impaled through an eye socket10A of one side of the bait fish 10 and is passed through the opposedeye socket 10A on the other side of the bait fish 10 to extendtherefrom. The locking portion 494 is smaller in diameter than thelocking pin 490 and approximates a point for the locking pin 490 tofacilitate the impaling of the locking pin 490 through the eye socket10A of the bait fish 10.

FIG. 57 further illustrates selected beads 102 of the bead leader 100being inserted into the first and second depressions 471 and 473. Theinterconnecting wires 104 extend through the first separating wall 474,through the line aperture 472 and through the second separating wall 476to attach the bead leader 100 relative to the lure insert 422. The firstand second separating walls 474 and 476 insure that the position of thebead leader 100 is fixed relative to the lure insert 422. In addition,the proper selection of the selected beads 102 inserted into the firstand second depressions 471 and 473 enables the proper positioning of thefishing hook 14 relative to the lure insert 422 and relative to the baitfish 10. The interconnecting wires 104 extend through the line aperture472 for maintaining the lure insert 422 on the beaded leader 100 in theevent the lure insert 422 is separated from the lure head 421.Preferably, the locking pin 490 is located on the second extending wallto position the bill 19 of the bait fish 10 within the insert relief 478as shown in FIG. 55.

FIG. 58 illustrates a step of securing the improved fishing lure 420 tothe bait fish 10. The lure insert 422 is moved into the insert cavity436. The bill 19 of the bait fish 10 is received within the head relief446. The first head interior surface 431A of the first head sidewallengages the first insert sidewall 461 to retain the selected beads 102of the bead leader 100 within the first and second depressions 471 and473. The first panel 440 is deflected outwardly by an operator asindicated by the arrow for enabling the locking portion 494 of thelocking pin 490 to be aligned with the locking aperture 442. Uponrelease of the deflection of the first panel 440 by the operator, thefirst panel 440 returns to a non-deflected position to receive thelocking portion 494 within the locking aperture 442 as shown in FIG. 56.The locking portion 494 disposed within the locking aperture 442prevents the removal of the lure insert 422 from the lure head 421. Thebait fish 10 is retained between the first and second panels 440 and480.

In some instances, a fish striking the fishing lures 20 and 220 willdislodge the locking pin 90 and 290 from the locking aperture 42 and242. In such an event, the lure insert 22 and 222 may separated from thelure head 21 and 221 and be lost in the water. In the third embodimentof the invention, the interconnecting wires 104 extend the line aperture472 of the lure insert 422. In the event, the lure insert 422 isseparated from the lure head 421, the lure insert 422 is maintained onthe beaded leader 100 and the lure insert 422 will not be lost in thewater. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that thethird embodiment of the invention may be incorporated into the secondembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 59 is an isometric exploded view of a diving fishing lure 520comprising a lure head 521 and a lure insert 522 and a sinker weight523. FIG. 60 is a front elevational view of the lure head 521 of FIG. 59and FIG. 61 is a sectional view along line 61--61 in FIG. 50. The lureinsert 522 may be identical to the lure insert 22 shown in FIGS. 9-13 ormay be identical to the lure insert 422 shown in FIGS. 51-55.Furthermore, the present invention mad be adapted to the fishing lure220 shown in FIGS. 25-47.

The lure head 521 comprises a first and a second head sidewall 531 and532 and a top head wall 533 and a bottom head wall 534. The first andsecond head sidewalls 532 and the top and bottom head walls 533 and 534have first and second head interior surfaces 531A and 532A and top andbottom head interior surfaces 533A and 534A defining an insert cavity536 within the lure head 521. A front aperture 538 in the lure head 521communicates with the insert cavity 536.

The first head sidewall 531 includes a rearwardly extending first panel540 having a locking aperture 542 defined therein. The first headsidewall 531 is substantially thicker than the second head sidewall 532and the top and bottom head walls 533 and 534.

FIGS. 62 and 63 are left and right side elevational views of the lurehead of FIG. 59 absent the sinker weight. FIG. 64 is a rear elevationalview of the lure head of FIG. 59 absent the sinker weight whereas FIG.65 is a bottom view of FIG. 62. The lure head 521 includes a central fin550 depending from the lure head 521 at an angle shown for causing thediving fish lure 520 to submerge as the diving fishing lure 520 ispulled through the water by the fishing line 106. A longitudinal beam551 extends from the lur e head 520 between a terminal edge 552 and thecentral fin 550. The longitudinal beam 551 is secured to the central fin550 to add strength to the central fin 550 and to inhibit deflection ofthe central fin 550 as the diving fishing lure 520 is pulled through thewater by the fishing line 106.

An enlarged portion 554 extends transversely from a portion of thelongitudinal beam 551. The longitudinal beam 551 and the enlargedportion 554 form a generally T-shape beam 556 having a T-Shapecross-section extending transversely from a portion of the longitudinalbeam 551. The T-shape beam 556 extends from the terminal edge 552 onlypartially along the longitudinal beam 551.

In the example shown in FIG. 59, the lure insert 522 comprises apartially pyramidal shaped insert portion 560 having a first and asecond insert sidewall 561 and 562 and a top insert wall 563 and abottom insert wall 564. The first and second insert sidewall 561 and 562and the top and bottom insert walls 563 and 564 are established at anangle for closely engaging the first and second head sidewalls 531 and532 and the top and bottom head walls 533 and 534, respectively, of thelure head 521 when the lure insert 522 is fully disposed within theinsert cavity 536. The first insert sidewall 561 includes an insert slot570 extending from a front insert wall 565 of the lure insert 522 to aninsert relief 578 defined in the first insert sidewall 561. A first anda second depression 571 and 573 are disposed on opposed sides of a lineaperture 572. A first separating wall 574 is interposed between thefirst depressions 571 and the line aperture 572 whereas a secondseparating wall 576 is interposed between the line aperture 572 and thesecond depressions 573. The first and second depressions 571 and 573 andthe line aperture 572 as well as the first and second separating walls574 and 576 comprise a restraining means for restraining the movement ofa leader relative to the improved fishing lure 520.

The second insert sidewall 562 comprises a second panel 580 with alocking pin 590 having a proximal and distal end 592 has the proximalend 591 thereof secured to the second panel 580. The distal end 592 ofthe locking pin 590 includes a locking portion 594 having a reduceddiameter for insertion within the locking aperture 542 of the firstpanel 540 when the lure insert 522 is disposed within the lure head 521.

Preferably, the lure head 521 and the lure insert 522 are each formed asa unitary member of a molded polymeric material. The first and secondpanels 540 and 580 are slightly flexible for enabling the lockingportion 594 to be inserted and removed from the locking aperture 542 bydeflecting either the first and/or the second panels 540 and 580.

FIGS. 66 and 67 are left and right side elevational views of the sinkerweight 523 of FIG. 59. FIG. 68 is a front elevational view of the sinkerweight 523 of FIG. 59 whereas FIG. 69 is a rear elevational view of thesinker weight 523 of FIG. 59. The sinker weight 523 has a first andsecond side surface 611 and 612 and a top and a bottom surface 613 and614. Preferably, a first end and a second end 621 and 622 of the sinkerweight 523 are rounded as shown. The sinker weight 523 is made of adeformable material heavy material such as lead of the like.

A sinker slot 651 extends from the first end 621 toward the second end622 and terminates in a terminal edge 652. An enlarged portion 654extends transversely the sinker slot 651. The sinker slot 651 and theenlarged portion 654 form a generally T-shape slot 656 having a T-shapecross-section for receiving the T-shape beam 556 of the longitudinalbeam 551 therein.

FIG. 70 is a left side elevational view of a portion of the lure head521 of the diving fishing lure 520 of FIG. 59 with the sinker weight 523disposed adjacent thereto. FIG. 71 is a sectional view along line 71--71in FIG. 70 whereas FIG. 72 is a sectional view along line 72--72 in FIG.70. The sinker slot 651 is positioned for receiving the longitudinalbeam 551.

FIG. 73 is a left side elevational view of a portion of the of the lurehead 521 of the diving fishing lure 520 of FIG. 59 with the sinkerweight 523 being partially disposed thereon. FIG. 74 is a sectional viewalong line 74--74 in FIG. 73. The sinker weight 523 is shown being slidonto the longitudinal beam 551. The T-shape beam 556 of the longitudinalbeam 551 is received within the T-shape slot 656 of the sinker weight523.

FIG. 75 is a left side elevational view of a portion of the of the lurehead 521 of the diving fishing lure 520 of FIG. 59 with the sinkerweight 523 being secured thereto. FIG. 76 is a sectional view along line76--76 in FIG. 75 whereas FIG. 77 is a sectional view along line 77--77in FIG. 75. The sinker weight 523 is slid onto the longitudinal beam551. The T-shape beam 556 of the longitudinal beam 551 is receivedwithin the T-shape slot 656 of the sinker weight 523 until the terminaledge 552 of the longitudinal beam 551 engages with the terminal edge 652of the T-shape slot 656 of the sinker weight 523. The engagement of theterminal edge 552 of the longitudinal beam 551 with the terminal edge652 of the T-shape slot 656 of the sinker weight 523 as shown in FIG. 75prevents further movement of the sinker weight 523 toward the left inFIG. 75.

The sinker weight 523 is deformed for fixing the T-shape beam 556 of thelongitudinal beam 551 within the T-shape slot 656 of the sinker slot 551to secure the sinker weight 523 to the lure head 521. Preferably, thefirst and second side surfaces 611 and 612 of the sinker weight 523 areindented at 661 and 662 for deforming the T-shape slot 656. One exampleof the indentations 661 and 662 are a staking process for providingdeformation 671 and 672 of the T-shape slot 656. The deformation 671 and672 of the T-shape slot 656 prevent movement of the sinker weight 523toward the right in FIG. 75. The deformation 671 and 672 of the T-shapeslot 656 fixes the T-shape beam 556 of the longitudinal beam 551 withinthe T-shape slot 656 for securing the sinker weight 523 to the lure head521.

The lure head 521 and the lure insert 522 are assembled in a manneridentical to the assembly of the lure head 21 and the lure insert 22 asshown in FIGS. 56-58. The bait fish 10 is prepared in a manner similarto FIGS. 20-21 wherein a retrieving catch 98 is inserted into the mouthof the bait fish 10 and forced through the bait fish 10 to exit from theposterior portion 16. The retrieving catch 98 is coupled to a beadleader 100 having a fishing hook 14. The bead leader 100 has a pluralityof beads 102 interconnected by a plurality of interconnecting wires 104.

FIG. 78 illustrates a step of securing the improved fishing lure 520 tothe bait fish 10. The bead leader 100 is drawn through the bait fish 10by withdrawing the retrieving catch 98. The retrieving catch 98 iswithdrawn from the bait fish 10 to position the point 14A of the hook 14in the desired location. A fishing line 106 is passed through the lineaperture 572 and through the front aperture 538 of the lure head 521 andis secured to the bead leader 100.

FIG. 79 further illustrates selected beads 102 of the bead leader 100being inserted into the first and second depressions 571 and 573. Theinterconnecting wires 104 extend through the first separating wall 574,through the line aperture 572 and through the second 10 separating wall576 to attach the bead leader 100 relative to the lure insert 522. Thefirst and second separating walls 574 and 576 insure that the positionof the bead leader 100 is fixed relative to the lure insert 522. Inaddition, the proper selection of the selected beads 102 inserted intothe first and second depressions 571 and 573 enables the properpositioning of the fishing hook 14 relative to the lure insert 522 andrelative to the bait fish 10. The interconnecting wires 104 extendthrough the line aperture 572 for maintaining the lure insert 522 on thebeaded leader 100 in the event the lure insert 522 is separated from thelure head 521.

FIG. 80 illustrates a step of securing the improved fishing lure 520 tothe bait fish 10. The lure insert 522 is moved into the insert cavity536. The bill 19 of the bait fish 10 is received within the head relief6. The first head interior surface 531A of the first head sidewallengages the first insert sidewall 561 to retain the selected beads 102of the bead leader 100 within the first and second depressions 571 and573. The first panel 0 is deflected outwardly by an operator asindicated by the arrow for enabling the locking portion 594 of thelocking pin 590 to be aligned with the locking aperture 2. Upon releaseof the deflection of the first panel 0 by the operator, the first panel0 returns to a non-deflected position to receive the locking portion 594within the locking aperture 2. The locking portion 594 disposed withinthe locking aperture 2 prevents the removal of the lure insert 522 fromthe lure head 521. The bait fish 10 is retained between the first andsecond panels 540 and 580.

The present invention provides an improved fishing lure for attaching abait to a fishing line that overcomes the difficulties encountered bythe prior art. The improved fishing lure may be used with natural baitwith the locking pin extending through the eye sockets of a bait fish ormay be used with artificial bait with the locking pin extending througha hole in the artificial bait.

The enhanced fishing lure permits the rapid addition of bait or therapid removal of artificial bait from the fishing lure and permits theadjustment of the position of the hook relative to the bait. Stabilizingfins may be utilized for stabilizing the movement of the fishing lurethrough the water without undesirable spinning. The action plate causesa jumping action to the lure head when the enhanced fishing lure isretrieved by a fisherman and provides an enhanced acoustical output. Thesupport enables the enhanced fishing lure to be skipped over weed beads.

The present disclosure includes that contained in the appended claims aswell as that of the foregoing description. Although this invention hasbeen described in its preferred form with a certain degree ofparticularity, it is understood that the present disclosure of thepreferred form has been made only by way of example and that numerouschanges in the details of construction and the combination andarrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A diving fishing lure for attaching a bait to afishing line, comprising in combination:a lure head having a frontaperture for enabling the fishing line to extend therethrough; said lurehead having an insert cavity communicating with said front aperture; alure insert comprising an insert portion; a first and a second panelextending from said lure head and said lure insert; locking pin meanssecured to one of said first and second panels for cooperating with alocking aperture means defined in the other of said first and secondpanels; said locking pin means extending through the bait forrestraining the movement of the bait relative thereto; said lure insertbeing insertable within said insert cavity of said lure head with thefishing line extending through said front aperture of said lure head andwith said locking aperture means cooperating with said locking pin meansfor interlocking said lure insert to said lure head; restraining meanssecured to said lure insert for restraining the movement of the fishingline relative thereto; and a sinker weight secured to said lure head toweight the diving fishing lure for causing the bait to sink.
 2. A divingfishing lure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said lure head comprises atapered front portion disposed about said front aperture forfacilitating the movement of the fishing lure through the water.
 3. Adiving fishing lure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said insert cavityis defined for slidably receiving said insert portion of said lureinsert therein.
 4. A diving fishing lure as set forth in claim 1,including at least one of said lure head and said lure insert defining arelief for receiving a head portion of the bait.
 5. An enhanced fishinglure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said first panel extends along asurface of said lure head;said second panel being aligned with anopposed surface of said lure head; and said locking pin extending fromsaid second panel through the bait and being partially received withinsaid locking aperture means for restraining the movement of this baitrelative thereto.
 6. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 1,wherein said first panel extends along a surface of said lure head;saidsecond panel being aligned with an opposed surface of said lure head;said locking pin extending from said second panel through the bait andbeing partially received within said locking aperture means forrestraining the movement of the bait relative thereto; and at least oneof said first and second panels being resilient for enabling theintroduction and removal of said locking pin means within said lockingaperture means to permit the addition and removal of the bait from thediving fishing lure.
 7. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim1, wherein said first panel extends from a first side surface of saidlure head;said second panel being aligned with a second side surface ofsaid lure head; and said locking pin extending from said second sidepanel through the bait and being partially received within said lockingaperture means for restraining the movement of the bait relativethereto; and said first and second side panels being resilient forenabling the introduction and removal of said locking pin within saidlocking aperture means to permit the addition and removal of the baitfrom the fishing lure.
 8. A diving fishing lure as set forth in claim 1,wherein said restraining means comprises means for adjusting theposition of a hook disposed at a termination end of the fishing linerelative to the bait.
 9. A diving fishing lure as set forth in claim 1,wherein said restraining means includes a slot extending through saidlure insert for enabling the fishing line to extend therethrough;andmeans for restricting the movement of the fishing line relative tosaid slot.
 10. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 1, whereinsaid restraining means includes a line aperture defined within said lureinsert for enabling the fishing line to extend through said lineaperture for maintaining said lure insert on said fishing line in theevent said lure insert is separated from said lure head.
 11. A divingfishing lure as set forth in claim 1, wherein the fishing line includesa bead leader comprising a plurality of beads interconnected by aplurality of interconnecting wires;said restraining means includes aslot extending through said lure insert for enabling the interconnectingwires to extend therethrough; and a plurality of depressions defined insaid lure insert along said slot for receiving said plurality of beadstherein to restrict the movement of said bead leader relative to saidslot.
 12. An enhanced fishing lure as set forth in claim 1, wherein thefishing line includes a beaded leader comprising a plurality of beadsinterconnected by a plurality of interconnecting wires;said restrainingmeans includes a line aperture for enabling said interconnecting wiresto extend through said line aperture for maintaining said lure insert onsaid fishing line in the event said lure insert is separated from saidlure head; and a plurality of depressions defined in said lure insertadjacent said line aperture for receiving said plurality of beadstherein to restrict the movement of said beaded leader relative to saidline aperture.
 13. A diving fishing lure as set forth in claim 1,including a central fin depending from said lure head for causing thediving fish lure to submerge as the diving fishing lure is pulledthrough the water.
 14. A diving fishing lure as set forth in claim 1,wherein said lure head includes a longitudinal beam extending from saidlure head; andsaid sinker weight having a sinker slot for receiving saidlongitudinal beam for securing said sinker weight to said lure head. 15.A diving fishing lure as set forth in claim 1, wherein said lure headincludes a longitudinal beam extending from said lure head;an enlargedportion extending transversely from a portion of said longitudinal beam;said sinker weight having a sinker slot for receiving said enlargedportion of said longitudinal beam therein; and said sinker weight beingdeformed for fixing said enlarged portion of said longitudinal beamwithin said sinker slot for securing said sinker weight to said lurehead.
 16. A diving fishing lure as set forth in claim 1, wherein saidlure head includes a longitudinal beam extending from said lure head;aT-shape portion extending transversely from a portion of saidlongitudinal beam; said sinker weight having a T-shape sinker slot forreceiving said T-shape portion of said longitudinal beam therein; andsaid sinker weight being deformed for fixing said T-shape portion ofsaid longitudinal beam within said T-shape sinker slot for securing saidsinker weight to said lure head.